Walter D. Murphy

Walter Dalton Murphy, Jr., 83, of Danvers, MA, passed away on August 11, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was the husband of the late Joanne G. (Macdonald) Murphy, with whom he shared 38 years of marriage until her early passing in 2007.

Walter was born on June 1, 1942 in Chelsea, the son of the late Walter D. Murphy, Sr. and the late Josephine E. (Sheehy) Murphy. He attended Our Lady of Grace in Everett and Boston College High School in Dorchester. Walter received his undergraduate degree from Saint John’s Seminary and an MBA from Suffolk University, which was followed by his earning of a master’s degree in education from Boston State College (now UMass Boston).

Walter and Joanne were exemplary in raising a large family of six children and were active in St. Mary of the Annunciation parish, St. Mary’s School, and many groups throughout the larger Danvers community. Walter had a 32-year career in the Danvers Public Schools as an elementary school teacher and Vice Principal – covering Thorpe, Highlands, Riverside, Smith and Great Oak – which resulted in many strong friendships with colleagues, students, and families. Walter also worked a variety of second jobs to ensure the children always had “clothes on their back, food on the table, and a good Catholic education”.

Walter loved the sun and the beach – from summering in Scituate to day trips to Ogunquit, he was truly at home in the sand, overlooking the ocean, among friends, from sunrise to dusk. (He was also known to occasionally call in sick to work on the first hot day in May.) Walter was well recognized around Danvers with his grandchildren in tow – going to daily Mass, shopping at local stores or the fish market for dinner, conducting serious business at the bank or post office, or simply treating to a breakfast with “Papa”. And of course, Walter loved any type of social gathering, and he was always the life of the party … and the last to leave.

Walter is survived by five of his children and 11 grandchildren: Walter Murphy and his wife Elizabeth of Mooresville, NC, Linus Murphy of Newburyport, Kevin Murphy of Danvers, Meghan (Murphy) McCrea and her husband Derek of Danvers, and Kathleen Murphy of Danvers. He also leaves behind his brother Paul Murphy of Marshfield; many nieces, nephews, cousins; and his grandchildren: Peter, Brendan, Timmy, Kevin, Molly, Emma, Chris, Kelly, Matt, Ryan and Sean. Walter is predeceased by his wife Joanne, his son Michael T. Murphy, and his brother William T. Murphy.

Visitation will be held Sunday, August 17, 2025 from 3-6pm at C.R. Lyons & Sons Funeral Directors, 28 Elm Street, Danvers. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, August 18, 2025 at 10:30am at St. Mary of the Annunciation Church, 24 Conant Street, Danvers. Burial will follow at the Annunciation Cemetery, 155 Hobart Street, Danvers. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Walter’s memory may be directed to St. Vincent DePaul Society, 90 Forest Street, Danvers, MA 01923. Online condolences may be shared at www.lyonsfuneral.com.